Best Grilled Cheese in the U.S.

One of Food & Wine's nominees for People's Best New Chef, Andrew Curren applies fine-dining skills gleaned from top kitchens like Barbuto to the 24-hour diner staples here. His grilled cheese comes on sourdough with cheddar, Fontina and roasted tomato. Dairy devotees finish with pair it with an amazing roasted banana–and–brown sugar milk shake.

Forget about basic cheddar on white: these 22 restaurants are taking grilled cheese to a whole new level. We have collected the best grilled cheese sandwiches from across the country, from The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco to Bouchon Bakery in New York City. These grilled cheese purveyors are offering and exciting twist to the old classic. Be sure to try one of these the next time you’re in town.